Investigating the effects of client imagery on the ideation process of graphic design

Prior work has examined how images supplied by design clients influence the output of graphic design ideation, however, little is known about the effect upon the ideation process itself. This article reports on an empirical study conducted with graphic design students engaged in design ideation. Findings are based on think-aloud protocol data, as well as participants' subjective ratings of their ideation process using factors based on the principle of design flow. Results show some statistically significant effects on the design process of the participants, particularly increases in their reported anxiety and sense of involvement in the task. In addition, some correlations are identified between design output resulting from exposure to client provided images, and the process of designing those outputs.